Barnard College announced today that Andrea Bastiani Archibald, Ph.D has been selected as the Constance Hess Williams '66 Director and Assistant Vice President of the Athena Center for Leadership. She will report to Akilah Rosado, the Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Inclusion and Belonging. “Andrea comes to Barnard following an extensive national search,” President Laura Rosenbury said. “I thank the members of the search committee who led these efforts and the many community members who participated in the interview and feedback process.”
Archibald is a developmental psychologist by training, with more than two decades of experience building leadership programs for girls and women. She spent over 10 years at the Girl Scouts of the USA, where she served as the Chief Girl and Family Engagement Officer and the Chief Girl Expert, spearheading leadership development programs for girls across the country. Most recently, Andrea has advised nonprofits advancing girls and women on organizational strategy and program design.
This appointment marks the first time the Athena Center will be led by an assistant vice president, a decision designed to strengthen the Center and incorporate leadership development as a core element of every student's experience.
In her role, Archibald will work closely with students, faculty, and staff across the College, as well as alumnae and external partners, to strengthen leadership training and opportunities for our entire community. This includes developing new pipelines for emerging leaders and creating new opportunities to guide and model civility and civic discourse.
Archibald will also continue the Athena Film Festival, a beloved Barnard tradition. The annual festival showcases narrative features, documentaries, and short films, in-depth conversations with filmmakers and thought leaders, and a wide variety of events focused on amplifying women’s leadership through storytelling. She will also work with Vice President for Advancement Hillary Strong to shape the festival’s future.
Archibald will start her role on August 3, 2026.